Australia is home to one of the planet’s largest ocean estates, rich with unique, ecologically vital marine ecosystems. From the Great Barrier Reef to the spectacular Scott Reef, from Ningaloo’s fringing coral reefs to the Great Southern Reef’s kelp forests, and from vibrant mangrove nurseries to deep offshore canyons and seamounts, these waters support extraordinary biodiversity. Yet these remarkable places face growing threats from climate change, industrial expansion, destructive overfishing and pollution.
Highly protected marine sanctuaries are among the most effective tools to address these threats. Guided by robust science and First Nations knowledge, sanctuaries safeguard biodiversity, enable species recovery, and strengthen ecosystem resilience to climate change and ocean acidification. They also deliver long-term benefits for fisheries, coastal communities and regional economies.
Australia is at a pivotal moment. Rising public and political support for ocean protection, the upcoming federal review of Commonwealth marine parks, and the national commitment to protect at least 30% of Australia’s ocean offer a rare opportunity to secure lasting protection for the ocean places that matter most. Our goals are clear: expand and strengthen fully protected marine sanctuaries across federal, state, territory and international waters, and safeguard ocean and coastal areas facing urgent threats.
AMCS has a strong track record in delivering durable conservation outcomes in complex policy environments. Working in partnership with communities, AMCS played a leading role in increasing highly protected marine sanctuaries from 4% to 24% of Australia’s ocean estate. Yet many critical habitats remain under-protected, particularly nearshore waters where biodiversity is highest and pressures are greatest.
AMCS is collaborating with First Nations peoples and other local communities, scientists and stakeholders to identify, prioritise and secure protection for Australia’s most valuable marine and coastal places. Your support will help ensure Australia effectively protects its most biologically and culturally significant ocean and coastal areas—safeguarding a resilient and thriving marine heritage for generations to come.
We’re halfway through the critical decade for ocean protection. Help us act while there is still time.
If you are interested in funding this work, explore these special projects below:
All donations over $2 are 100% tax-deductible. The projects featured in the Funding Prospectus are priority campaign activities and needs for which we are urgently seeking funds – current at the time of posting or going to press. As time progresses, there may be some cases in which the project you have selected may already be fully funded. In that instance, we would be delighted to discuss where the need is greatest at the given time. All of our campaigns work in symbiotic support of our mission to protect our oceans. Please be assured your gift will go to work to be the voice for Australia’s oceans, working on the big issues that risk our ocean wildlife.
